Security measures

Measures to crack down on security - including the wearing of ID badges at all times - are to be pushed across campus in a bid to tackle rising insurance premiums. Dubbed "Safe Sense" the moves re-emphasise common sense security measures such as locking up personal belongings, closing doors and windows, and clearly labelling equipment."

Deputy Principal Bill Barr: "It is becoming increasingly vital that as many measures are taken to ensure no loss of revenue for the University. One of the central costs - insurance premiums - is rising but, with extra care and regulation, a large slice of this expenditure could be saved."

Over the last three years the University has made eleven major insurance claims totalling compensation of over £1million bumping the premiums up by £60,000 in this year alone.

"Thankfully none of the claims have been for personal injury but many have put commercially sponsored projects in jeopardy of meeting their deadline with the possible result that contracts and jobs have been threatened. Considering that departments are liable for the first £5,000 of any claim, alarms and other precautionary procedures can be worthwhile investments."

Most of these claims could be prevented. The majority of claims are for accidental damage to expensive equipment. It is essential that equipment to be left on or off overnight or over the weekend is clearly marked and a check is done before leaving the building. Alarms can be fitted to equipment such as freezers that need to remain at a constant temperature.

Another area of claims is for theft. Again this is often preventable - thieves have gained access through fire exits and windows which have been left open. Staff are encouraged to include safety and security precautions in their everyday routines. Positive steps that can be taken include locking up personal belongings in drawers or cupboards, locking the office while it is unoccupied and closing all windows before leaving at night. Petty cash should be concealed, the key kept in a different location and should never be accessed in front of visitors or strangers.

Staff are also encouraged to wear their ID cards at all times. Trying to prevent unauthorised persons from being in University buildings is difficult when the academic environment is open and welcoming. However, clearly identifying yourself with your ID card and offering help to anyone you don't recognise without ID may dissuade potential thieves and encourage them to leave the building.

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